Meanings of the suicidal act between sadness and hopelessness: contributions from studies with Brazilians

Abstract

Suicide is a global public health problem, characterized by taboos and stigmas, which, when uncovered, could support training, education and prevention actions. In response to this demand, the present study aimed to identify the meanings that Brazilians attribute to suicide. A national survey was carried out with 3,453 Brazilian adults, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Free Word Association Technique (TALP), with the inducing stimulus “suicide”. The results were organized into two classes: 1) “Between despair and helplessness: the reasons for suicide”, which addresses possible motivations for suicide; and 2) “Survivors: meanings of suicide for the network of affection”, which presents aspects related to grief and pain experienced by survivors. Differences in evocations also emerged depending on the region of the country and sexual orientation. It is concluded that suicide is still surrounded by social stigmas and isolated associations to psychopathological conditions of the subject who presents suicidal behavior. Furthermore, the loss of a loved one by suicide is marked by an experience of unrecognized and lonely grief. Therefore, the need for educational promotion, prevention and postvention actions on the causes and care interventions aimed at the subject with suicidal behavior and family members becomes essential.